The Yggdmillennia clan had made comprehensive predictions about which direction the magus of the Mage's Association—i.e., the Red Faction—would launch their attack from and formulated a meticulous interception plan accordingly.
There were possibilities of a direct assault from the streets of Trifas or leading an army from the east side. The possibility of an aerial assault was also not low. However—
"To think they would come with their territory, this is truly unexpected."
Black Archer—Chiron—sighed. In his line of sight, the "Hanging Gardens of Babylon," the pride of the Red Assassin, floated in the air.
"I must say, this garden is indeed impressive.
Compared to it, Millennia Fortress looks like nothing more than a dilapidated earthen building."
Black Assassin Matou Shinji clicked his tongue in admiration, holding a telescope he had somehow procured.
"Assassin!"
Fiore glared at her Servant with a hint of displeasure. The latter blinked innocently. Seeing this, Fiore felt even more dissatisfied, although she wasn't aware that during this glare, her tension also somewhat eased.
Standing beside the barrier, Caules anxiously asked, "Archer, what's the current situation?"
Archer smiled calmly and replied:
"It has stopped. Although this is just my speculation, it seems the Red Faction plans to use this plain as the battlefield."
"So, it's going to be a full-scale confrontation?"
"Yes, Masters, please move to a safe location. The enemy will likely also use their Servants and familiars to establish their positions."
"—It seems so. They appear to have summoned dragon tooth warriors. Probably to counter our homunculi and golems."
With a "thud," Darnic landed from above. It turned out he had just boldly observed the hovering fortress from various angles.
"Uncle..."
"Let's head inside, Fiore. We can only leave the outcome to them now."
"You're right, Darnic. From here on, it's the domain of Servants."
Particles of light began to gather, forming the outline of a person. Black Berserker—Vlad III—displayed a solemn smile, silently observing the floating fortress.
No, it wasn't just him. Black Caster Avicebron also stood on the wall, watching the floating fortress.
"To think they would not only step into my territory with such an abominable thing but also scatter those filthy skeletal soldiers everywhere."
Vlad III showed an obvious expression of displeasure. At the moment of invading his territory, they became enemies, they became conquerors, and they became the Ottoman Turks. A strong sense of duty to "kill them all" instantly bound his entire body.
Looking around, Darnic slightly frowned, "Gordes and Saber, are they not here yet?"
"Here, here."
The portly Gordes ran up the wall, panting heavily, with Black Saber Siegfried right behind him.
"Why are you so slow?"
"The Mystic Code needed final adjustments. Fortunately, it was completed just in time."
"Mystic Code? What Mystic Code at this time?"
"Precisely because it's this time that we need it. With this Mystic Code, even if I'm not by Saber's side, I can still heal him, allowing Saber to fight to his heart's content."
"I didn't expect you to have such a clever trick. It seems you've changed quite a bit."
For the first time, Shinji didn't find Gordes' smugness annoying.
Unlike other Servants, Siegfried, protected by the "Armor of Fafnir," mostly suffered minor injuries. With timely healing magic support, Siegfried could maintain his unblemished fighting form.
Gordes snorted lightly, too lazy to deal with this cheeky guy.
Darnic's expression also softened considerably. He respectfully bowed:
"Grand Duke, we will retreat into the castle. Please unleash your full power."
Vlad III nodded proudly.
"Hmm. Also, release Rider and the Red Berserker first—we must have them join the battle line as well."
"But is that okay? Berserker aside, as for Rider—"
"It's fine. Since the enemy desires a full-scale confrontation, it's only proper to deploy all our forces. Moreover, Assassin—since you proposed the handling of Rider, he will be your responsibility. If anything goes wrong, you will be held accountable!"
This command was exactly what Shinji wanted: "Rest assured, I'll keep a close eye on him and make sure he doesn't cause trouble. If he can achieve significant merits, I hope the Grand Duke will show leniency."
"Good. Then, Darnic—"
"I'll go immediately."
Seeing that everyone had reached an agreement, Darnic turned and left, with Fiore and the others following him into the castle.
"Archer, you're in charge of directing the homunculus troops."
"Understood. But if Assassin can't hold off the Red Rider, I'll have to suppress him..."
"No problem, you can judge the situation as needed. Anyway, it will soon turn into a chaotic melee, slowly wearing them down with our golems."
Chiron nodded in agreement. Indeed, as Vlad III said, once the initial strike was over, it would quickly evolve into a skirmish between Servants.
"And Caster, you wait here for now. You will decide the right moment to release the Red Berserker's restraints."
"Understood. Ah, right. Berserker, as the reigning monarch, you certainly shouldn't enter the battle on foot. I've prepared a steed for you."
"Oh—"
Hearing this, Vlad III looked at Avicebron with keen interest.
"Of course, it's just a creation—"
"No matter, since an ordinary horse wouldn't suffice for such a war."
Avicebron had brought a massive bronze-iron horse (golem). This horse, made of iron and bronze, had a striped pattern. Its eyes, made of rubies and sapphires, glowed with an eerie light.
"Excellent."
Vlad III smiled contentedly and leaped onto the horse's back. The horse didn't neigh but stood obediently.
"Oh my, Vlad III is going to ride a horse. Looks like there's no place for me here."
A slightly higher-pitched voice spoke, instantly heightening the tension at the scene. It was the recently released Black Rider—Astolfo. With an innocent smile, he casually addressed the tyrant who had imprisoned him.
"Rider, at this point, I won't ask if you've reflected on your actions. Show me your strength now—demonstrate the power of one of Charlemagne's Twelve Paladins."
Astolfo slapped his chest and said:
"Leave it to me! This is this, and that is that. After all, this war is my mission!"
"As long as you understand that, there won't be any problems. Rider, follow Assassin's commands. If you perform well, I will pardon your rebellion."
"Understood! I'm counting on you, Assassin," Astolfo said playfully, sticking out his tongue.
"First, assist Archer in commanding the homunculi."
"Okay, okay~"
"And change that careless attitude of yours."
"Okay." Astolfo's head drooped down immediately.
Finally, Vlad III turned his gaze to the silent Siegfried.
"Saber, this time you will take the lead with me."
Siegfried remained silent, simply drawing his greatsword, indicating his readiness through action—he now had reliable comrades and a trustworthy Master, leaving no concerns behind.
"Gentlemen, we lack a Lancer, and the enemy has lost their Berserker. However, war isn't a simple matter of addition and subtraction, and heroes cannot be measured solely by combat power. Karna, Achilles, and the still unseen Caster and Assassin—until the very last moment, no one knows the outcome. I ask you all one question: do you have any intention of accepting defeat?"
Siegfried remained expressionless, Avicebron stood still, Chiron maintained his composure, and Astolfo spread his hands with a fearless smile. Shinji stared intently at the airborne fortress as if trying to bore a hole into it with his eyes.
Everyone expressed their will to refuse defeat through words and actions.
"Very good, we will achieve victory! Those are barbarians. Those who desecrate my land and laugh arrogantly—they are fools who must atone with their lives. Kill them with a smile."
Vlad III's words, although somewhat extreme, were easily understood.
Don't let them return alive—this was essentially what he meant, and it was also what the other Servants desired.
"Charge!!!"
The Grand Duke grabbed the reins of his horse and leaped from the castle wall along with the horse. Despite the wall and cliff being over a hundred meters high, Avicebron's bronze-iron horse was unharmed by the jump.
Like an entire army in one person—Vlad III charged towards the enemy's camp. Though the peaceful meadow would likely turn to scorched earth after the war, he was unafraid.
Siegfried also jumped down next, exuding an aura as powerful as when he faced the evil dragon Fafnir. If Vlad III was an army unto himself, then Siegfried was a match for an entire army.
Soon, the homunculi and golems, led by the two Servants, began to gather. Chiron and Astolfo's commands were effective, quickly forming neat ranks.
On one side of the army was Avicebron, carrying the sealed Spartacus. He planned to release the mad gladiator at the right moment. Though Spartacus's mind was broken, he retained a shred of rationality to distinguish friend from foe. After switching Masters, his enemies were the Red faction.
With them were ten specially selected golems by Avicebron. Though weak against powerful Servants, skilled use could yield results.
Both "armies" pushed forward.
Vlad III led the charge, wielding a silver spear, ready to engage any enemy vanguard that might appear.
However, even as he advanced to within ten meters of the enemy line, no Red Servants appeared—only a dense mass of dragon tooth warriors.
Surprised, the Grand Duke ordered the army to halt. Simultaneously, the dragon tooth warriors stopped moving.
Knowing it was futile to speak to the dragon tooth warriors, Vlad III turned his gaze to the moving fortress.
"What are they planning?"
Though it didn't seem like anyone heard him, it was as if in response—the Red Archer fired the first arrow.